Texas politicians honored 112-year-old veteran Richard Overton Thursday night following his death earlier in the day.
Overton, who had been the nation’s the oldest living veteran, served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he returned to Texas and built a home in Austin, where he has lived for seven decades.
“Richard Overton is an American icon and a Texas legend. With his quick wit and kind spirit he touched the lives of so many, and I am deeply honored to have known him,” Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, said in a statement late Thursday. “We can never repay Richard Overton for his service to our nation and for his lasting impact on the Lone Star State.”
One of my favorite moments at the Governor’s Mansion was celebrating the 110th birthday of Richard Overton—the oldest WWII Veteran. Today we mourn the loss of this legendary American hero. May he Rest In Peace. #txlege pic.twitter.com/zIuGH3mDzM
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) December 28, 2018
House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul, a Texan, memorialized Overton upon learning of his death.
“Sad to learn of the passing of Richard Overton, whose life peronsified (sic) service to our country and local community. I was blessed to know him and will always remember him as the star of the show when we opened the new VA clinic in Austin,” McCaul said in a post on Twitter.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, called the lifelong Austin resident someone all Americans should look up to.
“Richard Overton, the oldest American WWII veteran and the oldest man in the USA, went to his eternal reward today at the age of 112. His optimism and selfless service set an example for Texans and all his countrymen. Rest In Peace,” Cruz wrote on Twitter.
Cruz’s Senate colleague, John Cornyn, R-Texas, posted an old photo with Overton.
Richard Overton: a life well lived. pic.twitter.com/3bXpuvR6J6
— Senator John Cornyn (@JohnCornyn) December 28, 2018
